Rebar support apparatus and method of use

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for fixating and elevating elongated members; such as rebar, rods or reinforcing bars; used in the support and strengthening of poured hardening materials such as concrete, slurry, grey beam and asphalt. More particularly, the present invention is ideal for use in suspension of elongated members used for the strengthening of the above hardening materials to prevent the entry of rust into the hardening materials.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional application No. 60/852,612 filed on Oct. 16, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for fixating and elevating elongated members; such as rebar, rods or reinforcing bars; used in the support and strengthening of poured hardening materials such as concrete, slurry, grey beam and asphalt. More particularly, the present invention is ideal for use in suspension of elongated members used for the strengthening of the above hardening materials to prevent the entry of rust into the hardening materials.

Various devices and systems are used in the construction industry for strengthening hardening materials with elongated members. The most common of these is to suspend the horizontal elongated member from above with wires tied to wood beams that span the area prepared for the pouring of the hardening material. The hardening material is then poured over the suspended elongated member. However, the problem with this is that the elongated member is not held stationary in place against horizontal movement when the hardening material is poured into the area prepared for the hardening material. As a result, the elongated member will move during the pour and will not solidify where it was intended to be placed. This is because the hardening material, unless poured directly on top of the elongated member, will push the elongated member in one direction or another and the elongated member does not return to its pre-poured position before the hardening material hardens. This is also inefficient and time consuming as workers are required to tie the elongated members to the wood beam and also together at their intersection.

Additionally, problems have recently arisen in the art of forming reinforced structures using hardening materials and elongated members, especially in forming reinforced concrete structures with elongated members, where the elongated members has a connection with the surrounding earth. To avoid the movement of the elongated members discussed above, rebar saddles have been developed to hold the elongated member above the bottom of the area where the hardening material is to be poured. However, they have not met the problem of traveling rust and are not as cost effective as driving a short piece of elongated member into the ground in a vertical direction and tying the horizontal elongated members to these short, vertical elongated members. As a result, rust entering the reinforced structure created with the elongated member and hardening material is still a problem.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a product that solves the above problem of movement in the suspended elongated member when the hardening material is poured into the prepared area and also prevents the problem of rust entering the reinforced structure that is created with the elongated member and the hardening material. There is also a need to provide a product such that it is efficient and less time consuming to install.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an apparatus for fixating and elevating elongated members; such as rebar, rods or reinforcing bars; used in the support and strengthening of poured hardening materials such as concrete, slurry, grey beam and asphalt. More particularly, the present invention is ideal for use in the suspension of elongated members used for the strengthening of the above hardening materials to prevent the entry of rust into the hardening materials.

In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus is a short rod-like material that has a first bend and a second bend at each end of the apparatus that creates an opening for receiving and supporting an elongated member. At the middle of the apparatus, a third bend is angular in shape and shaped substantially in a V. These bends are formed such that when the apparatus is placed on a flat surface, the apparatus lays substantially flat.

In a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus is a rod-like material that has a first bend at one end that creates an opening for receiving and supporting an elongated member. Near the second end of the apparatus are bends in the apparatus that allows the apparatus to clamp onto items such as a 2×4 or other materials that are used to frame the area for which the hardening material is poured.

To use the apparatus of the present invention, beams are spanned above the area prepared for the pouring of the hardening material. The apparatuses in the first embodiment are suspended from these wood beams by the use of wires, strings, cable ties or other tying means such that at least two of the apparatuses and the opening for receiving and supporting the elongated member are aligned. Elongated members are placed into the opening created by the bend in the apparatuses. Once the desired numbers of elongated members and apparatuses are prepared, hardening material is poured into the area prepared for the hardening material.

Additionally, if desired, the apparatus in the second embodiment of this invention may be suspended from the beams that span the area prepared for the pouring of the hardening material or along the side walls by clamping the apparatus in this second embodiment to the beam. This second embodiment may be used in conjunction with the first embodiment or without the first embodiment as long as at least two of the openings created for receiving and supporting the elongated member are aligned. Elongated members are placed into the opening created by the bend in the apparatuses and once the desired numbers of elongated members and apparatuses are prepared, hardening material is poured into the area prepared for the hardening material.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   100 . . . Apparatus -   110 . . . First Bend -   120 . . . Second Bend -   130 . . . Middle Bend -   140 . . . Elongated Member -   150 . . . Opening -   160 . . . Opening -   200 . . . Bend -   210 . . . Bend -   220 . . . Bend -   230 . . . Bend -   240 . . . Crimp -   300 . . . Form -   310 . . . Frame

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention

FIG. 2 is a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows how the apparatus of the present invention is used.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative method of using the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for fixating and elevating elongated members; such as rebar, rods, or reinforcing bars; used in the support and strengthening of poured hardening materials such as concrete, slurry, grey beam and asphalt. Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the apparatus 100 of the present invention is shown. In a first embodiment, apparatus 100 comprises an apparatus material with a first bend 110 at one end, a second bend 120 at a second end and a middle bend 130 substantially in the middle of apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 is preferably made out of metal, plastic, a non-rusting metal, or non-corroding and non-rusting material. The material of apparatus 100 should have enough strength to hold elongated member 140 which passes through openings 150 or 160. It should also retain its shape once hardening material is poured onto the apparatus 100. Additionally, apparatus 100 may be in the shape of a rod, bar, cylindrical, or flat.

Still referring to FIG. 1, apparatus 100 comprises a first bend 110 near one end of apparatus 100. The first bend 110 is created such that the first end curves towards the middle of apparatus 100. First bend 110 is also created such that an opening 150 is created for receiving elongated member 140. First bend 110 may curve away from the middle of apparatus 100 without deviating from the present invention.

Apparatus 100 further comprises a second bend 120 near a second end of apparatus 100. Second bend 120 is created such that the second end curves towards the middle of apparatus 100. Second bend 120 is also created such that an opening 160 is created for receiving elongated member 140. Second bend 120 may curve away from the middle of apparatus 100 without deviating from the present invention.

Additionally, apparatus 100 comprises a middle bend 130 substantially near the middle of apparatus 100. Middle bend 130 is created such that apparatus 100 is angular in shape and a V-shape is substantially formed. Furthermore, middle bend 130, first bend 110, and second bend 120 are all on the same plane such that when apparatus 100 is placed on a flat surface, apparatus 100 is substantially flat.

In alternative embodiments of the apparatus 100 of the present invention, first bend 110, second bend 120, and middle bend 130 may be formed on apparatus 100 such that apparatus 100 does not lie substantially flat when placed on a flat surface. Additional bends may be formed on apparatus 100, such that apparatus 100 when placed on a flat surface is not substantially flat, without deviating from the present invention.

In a second embodiment of the apparatus 100 of the present invention, different bends are formed into apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 2, apparatus 100 in this embodiment is shown as it is clamped to a frame of the form that is created for the hardening material. Apparatus 100 comprises a first bend 110 near one end of apparatus 100. The first bend 110 is created such that the first end curves to form an opening 150 for receiving elongated member 140.

The second end of apparatus 100 in this second embodiment is bent such that the second end can clamp to the frame of the form that is created for the hardening material. Starting from the second end of apparatus 100, a bend 200 is created a few centimeters from the end. Bend 200 may be of any angle but ideally is substantially ninety-degrees. A few centimeters from bend 200, bend 210 is created which may be of any angle but ideally is substantially ninety-degrees. A few centimeters from bend 210, bend 220 is created which may be of any angle but ideally is substantially ninety-degrees. A few centimeters from bend 220, bend 230 is created which may be of any angle but ideally is substantially ninety-degrees. At bend 220, crimp 240 may be included. Crimp 240 allows for the separation of apparatus 100 into two pieces.

While bends 200, 210, 220, and 230 may be formed in any manner, bends 200, 210, 220, and 230 should be bent in a direction such that apparatus 100 can clamp onto a frame of the form that is created for the hardening material. As shown in FIG. 2, bend 200 is created in the positive Y direction, bend 210 in the positive X direction, bend 220 in the negative Z direction, and bend 230 is created in the positive X direction.

First bend 110 in this second embodiment may also be created in any direction. As shown in FIG. 2, first bend 110 is curved towards the negative Y direction. First bend 110 may be curved towards the positive Y direction without deviating from the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, use of the apparatus 100 of the present invention is shown. In FIG. 3, form 300 is shown. Form 300 is constructed with frame 310 around an area where hardening materials are to be poured. Frame 310 may be 2×4s, 4×4s, or similar materials. Frame 310 can be wood, plastic, or other materials used in the construction industry for constructing forms for holding hardening materials.

In FIG. 3, frames 310 are placed in such a manner such that form 300 is rectangular in shape with an opening at the top for the pouring of hardening materials. Several frames 310 are placed on the top portion of form 300 such that frame 310 spans across to the sides of form 300. Frame 310 that spans the opening of form 300 should be sufficiently off the ground such that when apparatuses 100 are suspended from these frames 310, apparatuses 100 do not touch the ground.

Once form 300 is constructed in the desired configuration, apparatuses 100 are suspended from frame 310 that span form 300 such that at least two apparatuses 100 are in a row so the curved opening of these apparatuses 100 are aligned. Apparatuses 100 may be suspended from frame 310 with any attachment means know in the art such as wires, strings, or cable ties. Apparatus 100 should not touch the ground to avoid rust and contamination.

When the required apparatuses 100 are suspended, elongated member 140 is passed through opening 150 or 160 that are aligned with each other. The process is repeated until the desired number of elongated members 140 are installed.

FIG. 3 shows the use of apparatuses 100 and elongated member 140 in parallel. However, apparatuses 100 may be suspended such that when elongated members 140 are inserted through 150 or 160 a lattice structure is created.

FIG. 3 also shows the use of the second embodiment of apparatus 100 of the present invention. The clamping part of apparatus 100 is shown clamped to frames 310 along the side walls of form 300. The curve opening 150 of the second embodiment is also aligned with opening 150 or 160 of the first embodiment such that when elongated member 140 is passed through, it passes through the openings 150 or 160 that are aligned.

Alternatively, instead of suspending the first embodiment of apparatus 100 from frames 310, the second embodiment of apparatus 100 may be clamped to frames 310 such that the openings of at least two apparatuses 100 in this second embodiment are aligned.

Once all elongated members 140 are in place, hardening materials such as concrete, slurry, asphalt, or grey beam may be poured into form 300. When hardening materials have set and hardened, form 300 may be removed. In removing form 300, parts of apparatus 100 in the second embodiment may be broken at crimp 240 to remove excess materials.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

While specific systems and methods have been disclosed in the preceding description, it should be understood that these specifics have been given for the purpose of disclosing the principles of the present invention and that many variations thereof will become apparent to those who are versed in the art. 

1. An apparatus for fixating and elevating elongated member used in the strengthening of hardening materials, comprising: An apparatus material wherein ends of the apparatus material have bends formed to create openings for receiving the elongated member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the middle of the apparatus is bent at an angle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is made of metal.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is made of metal.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bends in the apparatus and the angle at the middle of the apparatus are on the same plane such that when the apparatus is placed on a flat surface, the apparatus is significantly flat.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is made of plastic.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bends at the two ends of the apparatus are curved such that the ends of the apparatus faces each other and the curvature forms openings for receiving the elongated member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the ends of the apparatus are bent towards the angle to form a curvature for receiving the elongated member.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one end of the apparatus is bent to form a curvature for receiving the elongated member and a second end with multiple bends such that the second end can clamp onto a frame member.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the initial angle from the second end is ninety degree, the second angle after the initial angle is ninety degree, a third angle after the second angle is ninety degree, and a fourth angle after the third angle is ninety degree.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a crimp near the fourth angle such that the apparatus is separable at the fourth angle.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is made of metal.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the curve is formed such that an opening for receiving the elongated member is formed.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is made of plastic.
 15. An apparatus with bends at ends of the apparatus used for fixating and elevating elongated member used in the strengthening of hardening materials.
 16. A method of using the apparatus of the present invention, comprising the step of: a. Placing support forms around the area to be worked; b. Suspending the apparatus from the form by tying the apparatus of the present invention to the support form such that openings created by curved bends of at least two apparatus are aligned in a row; c. Placing elongated members through openings formed by curved bends in the apparatus.
 17. The method of using the apparatus of claim 16, further comprising the step of: d. Pouring hardening materials over the form once the apparatus and elongated members are prepared.
 18. The method of using the apparatus of claim 16, further comprising the step of: d. Attaching an apparatus with a curve at one end and clamping end at another end, wherein the clamping end is clamped to framing members of the form.
 19. The method of using the apparatus of claim 18, wherein the elongated members are placed through the aligned openings of the apparatus that are suspended and clamped to the framing members of the form.
 20. The method of using the apparatus of claim 19, further comprising the step of: e. Pouring hardening materials into the form containing the apparatus of the present invention. 